Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

From Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake to lesser-known scientific explorers and even an unknown mariner, a batch of new nonfiction works share previously overlooked stories set during the age of discovery. These titles expand our thinking about the people and missions that jumpstarted maritime travel and commerce.

In Search of a Kingdom: Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire

Laurence Bergreen, Mar 2021, Custom House, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Maritime history, British empire, Age of Discovery

IN SEARCH OF A KINGDOM is an engaging nonfiction narrative exploring Francis Drake, his major voyages of exploration, and his relationship with Elizabeth I.

Take-aways: Educators will find the relationships among the key players along with the specifics of Drake’s expeditions to be helpful in understanding the bigger picture of piracy, enslaved people, diplomacy, and the quest for fame and riches during this period.

Conquering the Pacific: An Unknown Mariner and the Final Great Voyage of the Age of Discovery

Andrés Reséndez, Sep 2021, Mariner Books, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Spanish history, Maritime history, Age of Discovery

CONQUERING THE PACIFIC shares an amazing account of a mid-16th century Spanish expedition that crossed the Pacific Ocean and returned. Launched from a secret port in Mexico, the crew included a Black mariner who captained the small, lead ship.

Take-aways: Of particular interest are the many examples of navigational techniques necessary to successfully cross this challenging ocean.  In addition, the book details encounters with the Pacific Islanders and an assortment of near-disasters.

Latitude: The True Story of the World’s First Scientific Expedition

Nicholas Crane, Oct 2021, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

LATITUDE is a fast-paced nonfiction narrative tracing the adventures of a dozen eighteenth-century European scientists who made important discoveries about global navigation and other amazing achievements.

Take-aways: STEM educators will find this true story of scientific discovery to be an engaging way to teach youth about perseverance and the quest for knowledge.

Straits: Beyond the Myth of Magellan

Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, Mar 2022, University of California Press

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

STRAITS revisits the life of Ferdinand Magellan separating the fact from fiction through surviving primary sources while providing useful insights and context.

Take-aways: Historically, textbooks have glossed over the life of Magellan and portrayed him as the hero of the age of discovery. This work is effective in providing a more realistic and comprehensive examination of this historical figure.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Technology Review: The Voyage of Van Diemen's Land

THE VOYAGE TO VAN DIEMEN’S LAND is an educational game set in the 19th century.

Produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, the learning experience immerses players in the year 1830. As the surgeon superintendent aboard a convict vessel, players must successfully transport human cargo from Britain to what is now known as Tasmania Australia.

The game’s introduction provides a fast-paced, highly illustrated overview of history connected to the game. Players begin by selecting a ship, captain, and supplies. After loading the supplies, convicts, an overseer, and assistant are chosen. Finally, rats much be caught. During the voyage, the mood and health of the passengers must be carefully supervised. Stops along the way are essential, but can also cause problems. Games are built into the story keeping student players motivated.

Librarians will find that the combination of humor along with the use of realistic problems and historically accurate information makes this a highly engaging way to learn about world history. Much like the old Oregon Trail game, the key is helping students make historical connections as they work their way through the game experience.

To visit the website, go to http://voyage.anmm.gov.au/.

Book Review: The Girl from Everywhere

GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE immerses readers in a world of time travel, fantasy, adventure, and romance.

Nix and her father literally sail through time. Traveling to both real and fantasy locations, Nix’s father is seeking a map of 1868 Honolulu in hopes of changing the past. However, this mystery map has serious implications for Nix.

Librarians will want to add this title to their growing collection of books focusing on time travel adventures.

This story of loyalty, family, and adventure is sure to engage young adult audiences. Readers who enjoy intrigue and well-developed characters will be drawn to this fantasy. A sequel is in the works.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.heidiheilig.com/.

Published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Passenger

PASSENGER by Alexandra Bracken is a time travel suspense with an abrupt cliffhanger.

This first book in a new science fiction series features seventeen-year-old Etta who discovers she has the ability to travel through time. Thrust into a dangerous situation involving rival time traveling families, Etta must find a valuable object before time runs out.

Of particularly note is Etta’s love interest, a biracial boy born into slavery. His reactions to Etta and to cultures outside his birth time are fascinating.

Fans of both historical fiction and science fiction will enjoy the ride. Most readers will like the hint of romance. The element of suspense will keep young adults happy until the abrupt conclusion. Librarians will find teens clamoring for the next book in this adventure series.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.alexandrabracken.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.